Journal 2-5-14 - Being doers of the word

James 1:22-25 "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in the mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."

     Well, this morning I have been trying to find something for my kids to think about that I have struggled with on many occasions in my life. I think the first sentence pretty much sums it up. "Be doers of the word and not hearers only..." Faith, what does that mean? Well, you've all heard me say, "Read, pray, turn from sin, and surround yourself with people doing the same." This actually incorporates the turn from sin part. If you all are reading these posts and praying daily that is good and that is what I want for you to do, but do you hear them and are you trying to work on the things in your life that you struggle with? Maybe cheating on a test? Copying someone's homework? Telling a lie, or cutting in line at lunch? If you are trying to be doers of the word, we are learning together, then you will start to notice those things and do what's right and not continue to do what is wrong. This does not mean that you won't struggle or will always get it right, but when you catch yourself looking at your neighbors answers on a test, ask your teacher to move you or position yourself so that you won't be tempted. that would be an example of "turning from sin" and being a doer of the word. 

     I know that everyone will always struggle with these things in their life, but the more you pray, read the Bible, turn from sin and hang out with people doing the same the easier it will be. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us all to be doers of the word. Help us to turn from sin and try to incorporate in our lives what we learn with our prayer and studying every day, so that we too will be a doer who acts and we might be blessed for that. Amen.

Random thought: Many times in my life I have been guilty of knowing what is right but not making the choice to do the right thing. Either because of pressure, comfort, or selfishness sometimes doing wrong just feels better at the time but it will birth chaos and pain into your life in the long run. It simply is not a good investment of your time! Look where I am today! Prison. My bad choices caught up with me and yours will too.